Artistes bond over music

Archana Mishra, Nov 21, 2012

It’s our third trip to India for a musical concert and it is thanks to tabla maestro Sandeep Das, who gave us an opportunity to bring the music from our country and present it before Indian audiences,” share Christina Pato and Matt Herskowitzz who were recently in the City as part of a performance Hum Ensemble, held at Kamani.

Living in New York with her husband, Christina is the first Galician bagpiper to record a solo album in Spain. She brilliantly played the bagpipe at the World Harmony concert. Having given so many performances in other countries, Christina finds a soul connection with India. “It was a surprise for me to see such a huge audience in my first ever performance here and for the audience it was amazing to see a bagpiper playing Indian music! Gradually, with the second concert a kind of bonding developed between us. I feel like family now,” smiles Christina.

Sharing similar views, pianist Matt Herskowitzz from Canada says, “Each time it is fun to work with artistes from different countries. Playing Indian classical music on the piano is a great experience in itself and above that to co-ordinate with others who are from different genre of music is like evolving yourself as a musician. Performing in India has always been one great experience of my life.” During the concert Matt played his original creations but also brought about a distinct richness to composition kesariya balam.Undoubtedly, the concert was not only an amazing experience for those who took time out from their busy schedules to enjoy the musical fest but for artistes too coming from different countries. Josep Vicent and Anxo Pintos shared their experiences with Metrolife of creating and preserving different kinds of good music.

For drummer Josep Vicent it is his first visit to the country. Calling Indian music rich in melody and rhythm, Josep believes that it is difficult to deal with inter-cultural music. “It is difficult to stick to one particular style when you are working with musicians from across the globe. But at the same time when you are open to changes it create a stronger bond with the music,” says the talented drummer who is working for the first time with Matt, Anxo and Christina.

Anxo, who for over 25 years, has been playing the stringed instrument hurdy-gurdy (which sounds strikingly similar to sarangi) had an incredible experience performing in India. Anxo finds mixing of different cultures through music a promising way to preserve music. “Our three days of rehearsals was fun. It is the way through which ‘Galatian’ music can be spread across continents,” he wraps up.